Prayagraj: NDRF conducts mock drill ahead of Mahakumbh; DIG says ‘fully prepared for event’

PRAYAGRAJ: A team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted a mock drill at Arail Ghat on Monday to line with the preparations for the Mahakumbh 2025.

Speaking to ANI, NDRF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) MK Sharma said that the NDRF is fully prepared for the grand upcoming event and their aim is to make the devotees and refugees believe that agencies like NDRF are ready to deal with every kind of challenge in their service. Sharma further said that the NDRF team is conducting a mock drill to overcome any challenge that could emerge during the event, and their team is prepared to deal with any chemical, biological, or radiological nuclear emergency.

MK Sharma said, “The NDRF is fully prepared for Kumbh. You must have seen how to deal with the kind of challenges we may face. This was a demonstration of the same, including saving drowning people. If a boat capsizes, how to save the people on board, how can we provide a safe environment to the visiting devotees? All preparations are going on in view of that… Security agencies are alert. If any challenge comes in relation to chemical, biological and radiological nuclear emergency, then we are capable of dealing with it.”

#WATCH | Prayagraj: Mock drill conducted by NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) at Arail Ghat in preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025. (06.01) pic.twitter.com/up2wuulbLn

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“Our train squad is deployed here with full equipment. … We have special divers, skilled swimmers and speed boats and we are ready to deal with this challenge not only during the day but also at night. We have underwater torches… Our aim is to make the devotees and refugees coming from outside believe that agencies like NDRF are ready to deal with every challenge for your service,” he added.

Earlier on Monday, the NDRF rescued a family of nine from drowning in the Ganga river here.

The family was seen calling for help after their boat was drifting uncontrollably due to strong water waves, and when the calls were noticed by Deputy Inspector General of NDRF, Manoj Kumar Sharma, he immediately directed the team to rescue them.The NDRF DIG was incidentally inspecting the preparedness of the teams at Arail Ghat of the river for the Kumbh Mela 2025.

According to the NDRF, a mock drill was already underway for a water emergency when an actual emergency happened.All nine family members were rescued, showing the efficiency of the rescue operation by the force

The Mahakumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). The Mahakumbh, held once every 12 years, will conclude on February 26.

The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). (ANI)